Inspirational Leadership: Timeless Lessons for Leaders from Shakespeare's Henry V

(Paperback)

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Henry V is Shakespeare's greatest leader inspired and inspiring, visionary yet pragmatic, powerful yet responsible. As a study of an inspirational leader he remains unparalleled. As a new king, Henry unites a group of disparate people around a common goal, learns to face his own self-doubts, and inspires his followers to a near-miraculous victory against all odds. It's an allegory for the trials and tribulations that beset the modern business leader.

In this fascinating book, acclaimed stage director and creative consultant Richard Olivier draws on his intimate knowledge of the play, and its absorbing central character, to unmask the secrets of inspirational leadership and reveal the timeless lessons it holds for managers and leaders today.

With unique practical understanding gained from working with real-life managers and leaders on this seminal text, Olivier successfully combines ancient wisdom with modern experience. Following the journey of the play, he tracks the development of Henry as a leader, offering timeless insights into the psychology, skills and techniques of effective, inspirational leadership.

Reviews

Pure, unalloyed learning and personal development of the highest order. - Chairman, Primary Care Trust

We could not have succeeded without insight into, and emotional grasp of, the leadership role models provided by the genius of Shakespeare, and interpreted so forcefully by Richard Olivier. - Thomas Leysen, Chairman and former CEO of Umicore

The story of Henry V, captured in this book, provides an opportunity to look at where true inspiration comes from... It has already had a profound impact on many people and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so. - Dr Andrew White, Associate Dean for Executive Education, Sai d Business School, University of Oxford

Finally, leadership training is interesting! - University of Alabama, USA

Grounded examples and telling lessons... as a bonus, it s wonderful to have such a committed, knowledgeable and passionate author as Olivier. - Chris Knight, Chief Executive, Group Lotus PLC

I would never have thought that Shakespeare's Henry V could provide such an inspirational lesson in leadership... provided a great perspective on the different aspects of leadership. - Vanessa Graham, head of corporate division at the Australian government's Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education writing for The Guardian

Fascinating insights ... the Bard and Richard Olivier know a great deal about good leadership. - Charles Hampden-Turner, co-author of Riding the Waves of Culture

Inspirational Leadership is more than a book about the leadership lessons of Shakespeare s Henry V as profound as these are. In it, Richard Olivier provides us with real help in becoming the kind of leader, the kind of person, we aspire to be. If you believe it is more important to be inspirational than to be inspired, this book is for you.

Author Bio

Richard Olivier is Artistic Director of Olivier Mythodrama and an Associate Fellow of Oxford Said Business School. A stage director for 15 years, Richard works internationally as a consultant, conference speaker and workshop leader.